The Princess Has a Birthday

Happy birthday
to my great-niece
Haylie, who took her crown
off for this photo.

I'd like to write a poem
for a Port St. Lucie princess
that would capture all the sparkle
in her smile. But words can't always
do the trick, cannot convey
the essence of her pint-sized elegance,
the mischief hidden underneath a frilly gown.
Big sister now as well as middle child by
reason of the bigness of her family's heart,
her role of princess is secure. Commander
of her daddy's heart, her mommy's extra
set of hands for helping, she will let you
know exactly what she's thinking, tiny
dynamo of sweetness all mixed up with
Martha Stewart's sense of order,
Disney and Duck Dynasty combined
just right into a Southern belle whose grin
and kiss at close of day can melt away
your toughest trials and cares.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2014